NEW YORK (WCBS 880) – Congestion pricing officially kicks in next year, but the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is still awaiting federal approval in order to start, and the delay may push back the intended start date for the new pricing.

The Federal Highway Administration still hasn’t approved the MTA’s request to implement the new congestion fee, which would be the first in the U.S.

Without that approval, the MTA can’t plan the infrastructure needed to collect money from vehicles entering Manhattan south of 59th Street.

The Wall Street Journal reports that those familiar with the project fear that this could set back planned construction on the new tolls themselves, as the administration still needs to conduct an environmental review of the project.

The tolls are expected to start on Jan. 1, 2021.

Annual revenues of more than $1 billion are expected from the congestion plan.